Former Pattison executive Darrell Jones drops out of B.C. Conservative leadership race
Jones announced his decision on social media, saying instead he will endorse Caroline Elliott for leader of the B.C. Conservatives.
Last updated 21 hours ago
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Former grocery executive Darrell Jones has dropped out of the Conservative Party of B.C. leadership race to replace John Rustad.
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Jones made the announcement on social media Saturday, saying that party members need to join together to defeat the NDP. Instead, he said he’s endorsing Indigenous policy critic Caroline Elliott.
“We’re aligned on key priorities: working with small businesses and industry, reducing the cost of government, and tackling the economic challenges hitting young people hardest,” Jones wrote on X.
“Caroline has the leadership, integrity, and work ethic to build a strong team and deliver results for British Columbians,” added Jones.
He said it has been an honour to travel across B.C. and hear directly from people about the challenges they’re facing.
“I’m grateful to every volunteer and supporter who stepped up — and I know that same commitment behind Caroline will drive real change,” he said.
Jones announced his entrance into the race in January. The Surrey resident said he worked his way up from a grocery clerk at an Overwaitea store in his hometown of Cranbrook to the president of Save-On-Foods, a role he served in for 13 years with stops at 23 stores throughout the province in a variety of management roles, before retiring last February. .
Candidates left in the race include: Elliott; Capilano University chancellor Yuri Fulmer; former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black; Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar; former federal Conservative cabinet minster Kerry-Lynne Findlay; and Rossland contractor Warren Hamm.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story included an incorrect list of current candidates. Sheldon Clare ended his leadership bid in February. Kerry-Lynne Findlay remains in the race.
With files from Alec Lazenby
